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Burlington driver charged in cop's death had recent blemishes on driving record

By Robert Mills, rmills@lowellsun.com

Updated:
10/12/2017 08:24:14 AM EDT

Michael Ricci, 18, of Burlington, in a mugshot released by state police in New Hampshire. COURTESY PHOTO

TEWKSBURY -- The 18-year-old Burlington man accused of causing a crash on Sunday while racing that claimed the life of a Somerville police officer got two citations and was involved another crash in just the previous five months, according to his driving record.

The Registry of Motor Vehicles revoked the driver's license of Michael Ricci after finding him to be an immediate threat on Tuesday, according to records from the RMV.

New Hampshire State Police accuse Ricci of racing Sunday about 9:30 a.m., on Interstate 95 northbound in North Hampton, and say Ricci's vehicle crossed into the southbound lanes and struck a Harley-Davidson motorcycle driven by Louis Remigio, 55, of Tewksbury.

Remigio, a father of two and a decorated 30-year veteran of the Somerville Police Department, died of injuries suffered in the crash late Monday night.

New Hampshire State Police charged Ricci with a felony count of reckless conduct before Ricci posted $10,000 cash bail. State police say that charge could be upgraded now that Remigio has died. Ricci will be arraigned in the New Hampshire case on Oct. 20 in Rockingham Superior Court in Brentwood, N.H.

Ricci was at home on Tuesday when Burlington police arrested him on a warrant out of Lowell Juvenile Court alleging that he violated the conditions of his release on a pending juvenile case.

Published reports have indicated that officers used Remigio's handcuffs when they arrested Ricci on that warrant.

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Ricci's court appearance and court records connected to the juvenile case are sealed, but two sources with knowledge of the case said it involves drug charges. Those sources requested anonymity.

Police and prosecutors have said they can't comment on what the alleged violation of the conditions of release were. Typically any new arrests violate such conditions in pending criminal matters, and everyone who is released on bail in pending criminal cases is warned that any new arrests could lead to bail revocation.

Louis Remigio, of Tewksbury, on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle in an undated Facebook photo.

Ricci's driving record, kept by the RMV, indicates he was cited for speeding in Burlington on April 20; found at least partially responsible for a crash in Burlington on June 2; and cited for driving without his registration in his possession in Billerica on Aug. 11.

Ricci's license was briefly suspended in September due to non-payment of fines, but was restored a short time later when the fines were paid, according to RMV records.

Ricci also had his license briefly suspended in 2015, when he failed to pay a fine for a seat belt violation in Merrimac, according to RMV records.

Remigio, whose wife died last year, is the father of two grown daughters. He was lauded by colleagues and Somerville's mayor on Tuesday.

Somerville Police Chief David Fallon said Remigio received numerous commendations throughout his career, and led younger officers in the department by example.

"I learned from him myself," Fallon said. "He was a much better police officer than I will ever be."

Both Fallon and Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone said Remigio was known throughout their city for his work as a motorcycle-riding member of the department's traffic unit, and for his ever-present smile. They noted his empathy, compassion, and ability to work in a difficult job without ever losing his smile.

Remigio was also an original member of the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council's motorcycle unit, and frequently rode in processions and motorcades for other fallen officers.

Just such a motorcade escorted Remigio's body from New Hampshire to Somerville Tuesday.

On Wednesday, the Massachusetts House of Representatives observed a moment of silence in Remigio's memory at the request of representatives Jim Miceli, Mike Connolly, Christine Barber and Denise Provost.

Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo noted Remigio's service with Somerville police, and said the Tewksbury resident was a dedicated officer who was known for his empathy. DeLeo said Remigio will be remembered for his commitment to public safety.

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